Andrew Duff attacks Tory 'Fraud' on Green Agenda

1.26.33pm GMT Fri 17th Nov 2006

East of England Liberal Democrat Euro MP Andrew DUFF will tomorrow accuse the Conservatives of 'fraud' in their efforts to paint themselves green. In his annual report to the regional party conference in Huntingdon, DUFF will say:-

"David Cameron's efforts to be a good green are fanciful. The Tories will not be taken seriously on the environment unless and until they embrace the European dimension.

"Even the staunchest patriot knows that combating climate change is not a matter for the nation state alone. The European Union is how we shape global policy. It is how we regulate pollution and the use of natural resources. It is the EU that sets our standards and creates the instruments, such as the carbon emissions trading scheme.

"An anti-European environmental policy is a complete fraud."

Referring to his own Plan B, recently launched to rescue the European Constitution, DUFF will add:

"That is why I am proposing that we upgrade the fight against climate change into an imperative to which all other EU common policies - especially the CAP, energy and transport policies - will have to conform."

ENDS/?

Notes for Editors

1. The East of England Annual Conference takes place at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon from 10 am until 5 pm tomorrow, Saturday 18th November. Any members of the press wishing to attend should let Tim Huggan know on 07973359117 fro accreditation.

2. Andrews annual report can be found in PDF format at http://www.andrewduffmep.org.uk